Making the Move to Your Next Role

Feeling boxed in at work is more common than most people admit. Sometimes it’s about money, sometimes it’s about confidence, and sometimes it’s simply not knowing what the next step could look like. The good news is that feeling boxed in does not mean you are stuck. With the right mindset, a clear plan, and a few practical steps, you can start moving towards a more rewarding role.

Here’s how to reset your direction and reclaim control of your career.

Start by getting clear on what’s not working

‍Before you can move forward, it helps to understand what you actually want to move away from. Is it the role itself, the work environment, the leadership, or simply that you’ve outgrown the position? Have you progressed as far as you can where you are, or are you feeling bored and under-challenged?

Just as important is asking whether you know what you’d like to do instead. You don’t need a perfect answer yet, but clarity around what isn’t working is the first step toward finding what will.

If you’re unsure, look at your transferable skills

‍If you don’t have a clear next role in mind, that’s completely normal (and this is where a CMS Career Consultant can really help!). Looking at your transferable skills can be incredibly helpful. Skills such as communication, problem-solving and leadership are valuable across many industries and roles.

If you’re still unsure about direction, CMS can perform a career assessment or psychometric test to provide useful insight into your strengths, preferences, and working style. They’re simple, effective and can open your eyes to options you may not have considered.

Get motivated and set clear goals

‍This is often the most important step. Change takes energy, and without clear goals it’s easy to stay stuck in the comfort of the familiar. Set realistic, specific goals and hold yourself accountable to them. That might mean updating your resume, having more networking conversations, or spending time each week exploring options.

For many people, working with a coach makes a big difference here. Just like a sports coach, a career coach can help you clarify your direction, stay focused, and keep moving forward when motivation dips.

Plan your transition, one step at a time

‍Changing roles or employers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Be realistic about financial factors and timing, and treat your transition like a project. Set aside regular time each week, just as you would for any important commitment. Small, consistent steps add up faster than you think.

Let your family, friends, and colleagues know you’re open to new opportunities. Often, the best opportunities come from conversations rather than applications, and there’s also a good chance your current employer would be open to you transferring into a different role or department.

The bottom line

‍Feeling boxed in doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end of the road. It usually means you’re ready for a change. With clarity, a plan, and the right support, you can move from feeling stuck to feeling back in control of your career.

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